Boston's South Station has been renamed to honor a former governor who has long been an advocate for public transportation -- Michael Dukakis.

Gov. Deval Patrick announced Monday at the busy transportation hub that it will be known as "Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station." Patrick said Dukakis has been "a tireless and effective advocate for public transportation for decades."

Dukakis, now 80, was governor 1975 to 1979 and 1983 to 1991. He was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988, losing to George H.W. Bush.

During his tenure, South Station was renovated, the Red and Orange lines expanded, and the MBTA acquired most of its Eastern Massachusetts rail lines.

He has been a regular MBTA rider, and served on Amtrak's board. He teaches political science at Northeastern University.